Nutrition and a Healthy Pregnancy

Clinical Nutrition Women’s Health would like to welcome you to the IWK Health Centre Nutrition and a Healthy Pregnancy webpage. The resources listed on this webpage are geared to help you make decisions on healthy eating during pregnancy and more. There is something for everyone whether you are planning a pregnancy, are currently pregnant or have recently had a baby.

A healthy diet during pregnancy is necessary in order to provide your growing baby with the nutrients it needs. Following Canada’s Food Guide, while paying special attention to a few particularly important nutrients, will help to support your baby’s growth and development.

The following link provides information on nutrients that are particularly important for both your own health and the health of your baby during pregnancy. Nutrients that are particularly important during pregnancy include: iron, folate, calcium, vitamin D, iodine, and omega-3 fats.

The following links provide information on a variety of special diets, and offer tips to help you feel your best during pregnancy, while ensuring that your baby receives the nutrients it needs for growth and development.

Diabetes

Whether you are entering pregnancy with pre-existing diabetes, or have recently been diagnosed with gestational diabetes, a healthy pregnancy can still be achieved. The websites provide information on managing your diabetes throughout pregnancy by following a healthy diet.

It can sometimes be challenging to meet your requirement for certain vitamins and minerals when following a vegetarian or vegan diet. These web pages offer tips for the pregnant vegetarian and vegan eater to make sure you are getting the necessary nutrients in your diet.

Body Weight/Body Image:

Many women have concerns surrounding body weight and body image during and after pregnancy. These resources address the effects of pregnancy on body image and provide tips for healthy weight loss after pregnancy. The FAB program is a free 3-week weight loss program offered to new moms in Sobeys grocery stores.

Food Sources of Omega-3 Fats:

Suggested Reading:

Better Food for Pregnancy, by Daina Kalnins & Joanne Saab (2006)

Nutrition Guide to Healthy Pregnancy, by Leslie Beck (2004)

Helpful Smartphone Apps:

Check out these fun smartphone apps to see how healthy eating can be made fun and easy. Cookspiration offers recipe ideas tailored to your mood and schedule. eaTracker can be used for meal planning and recipe analysis. eaTipster offers daily nutrition tips to make healthy eating easier.